LUCKNOW: A private school in Gonda’s Khondare area, which came under scrutiny after a video showed Hindu girl students performing in burqas during an Independence Day function, was sealed on Monday after officials found that it was operating without the required recognition.The action was taken by Block Education Officer (BEO) Riyaz Ahmed on the directions of District Basic Education Officer (BSA) Amit Kumar Singh. The BEO and his team inspected Knowledge Beam Academy in Ausani Buzurg at around 2 pm on Monday and found that the school did not have valid recognition documents despite operating classes up to Class 12.Officials said the school had earlier been directed to shut down but continued to function.Following the inspection, the education department sealed the premises with immediate effect. The BEO reportedly purchased three locks from the local market and personally locked the manager’s office, principal’s office and the main gate of the school.A report on the inspection and the action taken has been submitted to the district basic education officer for further proceedings.The school had organised an Independence Day programme on August 15, during which students performed on different themes. A video from the event subsequently surfaced on social media, showing four or five Hindu girl students performing while wearing burqas.The students were seen dancing to a mix of Bhojpuri, Haryanvi and Bollywood songs, including Lagayi Dihi Choliya Ke Hook Rajaji, Gulab Jaisan Khilal Badu, Teri Aankh Ka Yo Kajal and Fevicol.The video triggered objections from members of both communities, with people demanding action against the school management. Following the controversy, BSA Amit Kumar Singh directed BEO Riyaz Ahmed to conduct an inquiry.As the controversy escalated, school manager Ram Suresh issued an apology and said the programme had been organised purely for entertainment.In a video message, he said that if the performance had hurt anyone’s sentiments, he apologised and assured that such an incident would not be repeated.During Monday’s inspection, however, the education department found a separate regulatory violation. According to the BEO, the institution was operating without the requisite recognition.The BEO said the school had been instructed about a week earlier to stop functioning, but it continued to operate despite the direction.Officials subsequently sealed the institution and initiated further action against the management. The education department said further action would be taken based on the inspection report.
